Race Information & Rules

The Shakedown Barrel Race returns for its third consecutive year — bigger, bolder, and richer than ever. Hosted at The Pointe, a brand-new, state-of-the-art equestrian facility just outside Sherwood Park, Alberta, the 2026 Shakedown will take place April 17–19, 2026 and promises to redefine barrel racing in Canada.

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For 2026 and beyond, AJ Maddox has partnered with Jessica Pickford to take The Shakedown to new heights. Together, they share one vision: to make The Shakedown the highest-paying barrel race in Canada.

In 2025, the event paid out an impressive $161,953 — but the momentum doesn’t stop there. Major changes are underway to ensure that the 2026 Long Go payout is guaranteed at $175,000, plus additional side-pot money and prizes that reward every level of competitor.

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The excitement kicks off Friday with a 3D Warm-Up Race, setting the tone for a weekend of elite-level competition. Saturday features the Long Go, followed by the Buy-Back Round, giving riders a second shot at qualifying for the Short Go. The Top 15 from each of the five divisions (5D) in the Long Go and the Top 4 from each division in the Buy-Back round & Crying hole from the 1,2 and 3D will advance to Sunday’s Showdown Short Go, where the best of the best face off for the big cheques.

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Introducing Lifetime Slot Ownership

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New for 2026 — The Shakedown Lifetime Slots.

The producers are releasing 200 lifetime slots, giving competitors the opportunity to own their place in The Shakedown for life. Slot owners may run in their slot or rent it out, but slots cannot be sold. A managed waitlist ensures fairness and sustainability for years to come. Should a slot owner forfeit or choose to give up their slot (see rulebook for details), that slot will be re-issued by the producers to the next rider on the official waitlist.

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Additionally, the producers will retain 50 extra slots reserved for fundraising, promotional use, and community give-backs, including donations to events and online auctions that support the sport and its people.

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The payout is calculated off the 200 lifetime entries with 90% of your entry fee going into the payout. 10% is held back for costs of producing the event. This creates a transparent, stable, and growth-driven structure that ensures The Shakedown remains a premier and purpose-driven event for years to come.